Stopping the Rush to Gas ✊
Despite posing a severe risk to our climate, our economy, and our public health, some are still calling gas a “bridge fuel” — a temporary but necessary evil that can help the U.S. accelerate its transition away from coal. But fracked gas creates more carbon pollution than previously thought, and the threat of the climate crisis is growing in magnitude. It’s abundantly clear that gas has no place in our future energy mix. So, Beyond Carbon is fighting to stop the rush to gas — and move the country to a 100% clean energy economy.
The good news? The numbers are on our side. A new study from the Rocky Mountain Institute has found that by 2035, it will be more expensive to run 90% of the proposed gas plants in the country than it will be to build new clean energy projects. This means that before the owners of these new gas plants even finish paying for them, they will no longer be able to compete with renewables like wind and solar.
“We’re at a tipping point. Here’s evidence that the switch from gas to clean energy makes economic sense,” said Mark Dyson, a co-author of the RMI study.
Despite this economic reality, the fossil fuel industry is still doubling down on its plans to build new gas plants. Throughout the U.S., a total of 177 new gas plants are currently planned, under construction, or announced. If even a percentage of these plants were built, it would greatly jeopardize our ability to avoid the most dire consequences of the climate crisis. And beyond that, choosing fossil fuels over clean energy will cost consumers.
In fact, if clean energy is used to power the nation instead of these proposed natural gas plants, U.S. consumers could save $29 billion in utility bills — all thanks to the falling cost of wind, solar and other renewables.
The case against fossil fuels is clear, and gas is no exception. We must work to stop the rush to gas to protect our climate, our health, and our economy.
Thankfully, grassroots organizers are standing up against the expansion of gas in their communities. In Connecticut, environmentalists are pushing back against one of the 177 proposed new gas plants — seeking to ensure that their state remains a leader on clean energy.
The Sierra Club and local advocates are leading the fight. They’re calling on Governor Lamont to reject the gas plant — which is slated to begin construction as early as this year.
A key concern about the Killingly gas plant is that it would be operational for decades to come — potentially still emitting carbon in 2050, the year by which scientists say we must fully decarbonize our economy.
“Building a new long-lived fossil fuel plant is a very, very bad idea,” says Jerry Elmer, senior attorney at the Conservation Law Foundation.
Learn how you can support the local Sierra Club chapter in its efforts to oppose the plant.
While the fossil fuel industry continues its plans to build nearly 200 new gas plants, climate-forward states are showing how the U.S. can benefit from moving Beyond Carbon — and are creating thousands of clean energy jobs in the process.
Thanks to California’s renewable energy and climate laws, a new study found that there are now five times more clean energy jobs in the state than fossil fuel jobs. Whether it’s installing wind turbines or building electric vehicles, over 500,000 people are now employed by jobs related to clean energy, including 11,115 rural Californians.
“The clean energy industry is a large and growing part of our economy, certainly here in California, but nationally as well,” said Bob Keefe, executive director of Environmental Entrepreneurs, a non-profit group that compiled the data.
California isn’t alone in its efforts to create green jobs. Colorado’s “advanced energy” industry — which includes renewable energy, energy efficiency, electrified transportation, biofuels, and more — is set to expand by 9% this year, higher than the expected national average increase of 6%.
As the federal government refuses to enact climate-forward policies, it’s up to states to pass targets for cleaner energy and spur industry and job growth. See if your state is doing its part.
